Category Archives: Elementary

Elementary

Rhythmical Creation of Beauty in Words: A Review of ‘Pocket Poems’

“Poetry is a packsack of invisible keepsakes.”–Carl Sandburg

Grade Level:

K-1

Review and Comments:

Pocket Poems by Bobbi Katz is an anthology of 55 short poems that are both humorous and thought provoking. They cover subjects from nature themes to a twist on traditional stories like ‘Humpty Dumpty’, ‘The Old Woman in the Shoe’, and ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. There is even a poem written in English and Spanish entitled “You – Tu.”  Teachers will find the poem using homophones and a few poems about punctuation marks good additions to English lessons.  My particular favorites are “The Drum” and [from]” Arithmetic.”  The poems are written by classic authors such as Emily Dickinson and Carl Sandburg along with contemporary authors like the author of the anthology, Bobbie Katz. Continue reading Rhythmical Creation of Beauty in Words: A Review of ‘Pocket Poems’ →

Elementary

One Size Does Not Fit All: A Review of ‘You Are (Not) Small’

“The biggest challenge in life is being you – In a world trying to make you like everyone else.”–Unknown

Reading Level:

Easy Reader, Ages 4-8

Review and Comments

You Are (Not) Small  by Anna Kang is a story with few words but a meaningful message.  The characters in the book have a debate about their size.  One character is obviously big and the other one is obviously small.  Each character points out those physical traits, sometimes with passion. “You are small.”  “You are big.”  It seems that both are correct.  The discussion progresses when they each show that there are others who are their same size so that must mean they are not really big or definitely not small. The debate begins to get heated because they will not change their viewpoint of one another. Continue reading One Size Does Not Fit All: A Review of ‘You Are (Not) Small’ →

Elementary

Amid the Falling Snow: A Review of ‘A Snowy Day’

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“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” —Unknown

Reading Level

Grades K-1

Review and Comments

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a story about a boy named Peter who awakens to his world covered in the beauty of snow. Pristine snow is a marvelous scene that just begs for the romp of a child. Peter puts on his red snowsuit and goes outside to explore. The first thing he notices is the trail of his footprints so he experiments and alters the look of them. He is pleased by the different tracks and the results fascinate him.  Moving along, he decides not to join a snowball fight and continues to make his own fun in the snow.  His very busy day is coming to an end, but before he goes home he molds the best snowball he can make and puts it in his pocket to save for another day. Continue reading Amid the Falling Snow: A Review of ‘A Snowy Day’ →

Elementary, Holidays

Celebrating the Lives of Loved Ones: A Review of ‘Dia De Los Muertos’

“A human life is a story told by God.”–Hans Christian Andersen

Reading Level:

Grade 2

Review and Thoughts

Dia de los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong is a non-fiction book about the Day of the Dead, which is a traditional celebration in Mexico.  It is celebrated November 1 and 2.  These dates were chosen as a way to intermingle the Aztec and Catholic cultures. November 1 is All Saints’ Day, and November 2 is All Souls’ Day. Continue reading Celebrating the Lives of Loved Ones: A Review of ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ →

Elementary, Holidays

Celebrating Halloween (Part 2): Halloween Books for Your Little Saints

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IMG_0802There is nothing more beautiful than being able to spend time reading with your kids.  Aside from introducing children to books, it builds a special bond with them.  They feel safe in your arms, they have your undivided attention, and their imaginations are captivated. There is nothing better. Below is a list of books that will get you and your family into the Halloween spirit. Continue reading Celebrating Halloween (Part 2): Halloween Books for Your Little Saints →

Elementary

Life Spills Over For Better or Worse: A Review of ‘The Great Gilly Hopkins’

“No man is an island, entire of itself. Our lives are involved with one another, through innumerable interactions they are linked together. No one lives alone. No one sins alone. No one is saved alone. The lives of others continually spill over into mine: in what I think, say, do and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and worse.”  Pope Benedict XVI

Reading Level:

Grades  4-5

Review and Thoughts:

Foster Child: a child without parental support and protection, placed with a person or family to be cared for, usually by local welfare services or by court order. This is Gilly Hopkins.  Gilly, or Galadriel Hopkins, is an eleven year old girl who is starting over yet again in the third foster home in three years through circumstances beyond her control.  Gilly’s life experiences have forced her to create a list of rules written on her heart.  These rigid rules are what she fights to live by:

  1. I will accept no kisses or hugs.
  2. I will be clever and hard to manage.
  3. I will dare anyone to accept me or change me.
  4. I will be in charge of my own life.
  5. I will never appear the fool.
  6. I will never need help.
  7. I will be in charge of my education by making teachers treat me differently.
  8. I will be tough.
  9. I will continue to build a reputation and be proud of it.
  10. I will never attach myself to something that is likely to blow away some day.
  11. I will be Galadriel Hopkins – some day.

Continue reading Life Spills Over For Better or Worse: A Review of ‘The Great Gilly Hopkins’ →

Elementary

A Mutual Gift of Love: A Review of ‘Sarah, Plain and Tall’

“Do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you before the world existed.”  Tobit 6:18

Reading Level:

Grades 2-3

Review and Thoughts:

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan is a story about three hearts that still grieve after the death of a wife and mother– hearts that yearn to be filled with love once again.  It is about another earnest heart searching for a place to entrust its love.  Each character is waiting, tentatively looking to the future with hope for a new life as a family.

Continue reading A Mutual Gift of Love: A Review of ‘Sarah, Plain and Tall’ →

Elementary

Adventure in the Jungle: A Review of ‘My Father’s Dragon’

“When one is convinced that his cause is just, he will fear nothing.”–St.  John Bosco

Reading Level:

Grades 2-3

Review and Thoughts:

A boy + an alley cat + tigers + a rhinoceros + a lion + a gorilla + crocodiles + a dragon = ADVENTURE!

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett is an exciting adventure story about Elmer Elevator’s quest to free a dragon from captivity, narrated by his son. Elmer faces many dangerous situations along the way with steadfast determination and courage.  The reader experiences the suspense of Elmer’s perilous encounters with anticipation and then his relief as he diffuses each crisis. Continue reading Adventure in the Jungle: A Review of ‘My Father’s Dragon’ →

Elementary

Visiting a New Friend: A Review of ‘Owl at Home’

“Never shall I forget the times I spent with you.  Please continue to be my friend as you will always find me yours.”  Ludwig Van Beethoven

Reading Level:

K-1

Review and Thoughts

Reading the story of Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel makes the reader feel like a guest visiting the home of an innocent and trusting friend.  There is time spent by a nice warm fireplace, a comfy bed, and a peaceful seaside setting.  With every vacation however, there are also unexpected events.  This short holiday provides a glimpse into Owl’s simple life which to him is quite extraordinary. Continue reading Visiting a New Friend: A Review of ‘Owl at Home’ →

Elementary

Making a Mark: A Review of ‘The Dot’

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas

Reading Level:

Grades K-1

Review and Thoughts:

Many of us have confronted a blank paper when faced with the task of writing an assignment or drawing a picture. It can feel overwhelming.  After some initial struggles there is a glimmer of an idea – the promise of something unique and worthwhile.  Then, the first sentence or the first stroke blossoms into an exclusive creation. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is a story about such an experience. Continue reading Making a Mark: A Review of ‘The Dot’ →